The Sky's the Limit

Friday, May 23, 2008

By Maureen Nolan

Staff writer

If the wind is gentle over Jamesville Reservoir, the
balloons will ascend about 6 a.m., to dot the sky with crazy
color.

That's a breathtaking sight even from the ground. If
you want a higher high and you've got the money, you
can buy a ride during the 29th annual Heineken 93Q Balloon
Fest June 13, 14 and 15 at Jamesville Beach Park. It costs
$125 for a morning flight and $150 in the evening. The
flights are wind- and weather-permitting.

The balloon festival launches the summer events in Eastern
Onondaga County, and if the weather is decent or the bands
are hot, prepare for crowds.

"On good-weather days we've seen close to 40,000
people over the three days, depending on the bands and so
forth," said Robin Augello, public relations
coordinator for Onondaga County Parks, which organizes the
festival.

Thirty to 35 balloons will participate this year, including
at least one new one the floppy-eared "Beagle
Maximus."

The national bands have yet to be named, but the locals
will include Long Since Forgotten, Kane, Supergush, Kat
Tale, Under the Gun, Jason Bean, The Reissues and Los
Blancos.

Balloons go up, weather permitting, between 6 and 7:30 p.m.
June 13; and 6 a.m. and between 6 and 7:30 p.m. June 14 and
15. The entertainment will run from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. June
13; 1 to 8:30 p.m. June 14; and 1 to 6:30 p.m. June 15.

Cost to attend is $5 for adults; $1 for children ages 6 to
12 and free for children 5 and younger.

Parking is free.

One note: This year, festival-goers may not bring their own
alcohol.

Here are some of the other East Onondaga County events in
the works for this summer: Springside Farm's fifth
annual Shearing Festival

It's more than sheep and alpacas getting a haircut. The festival includes food, wine to sample and buy, crafts, produce, pony and wagon rides, a zip line and border collie herding demonstrations, plus FESTIVALS, NEXT PAGE...